Gruppo Gamma, a brand that I have reviewed here a few times, continues to improve and impress. Now, before I continue, I want to get something out of the way. Yes, the Vanguard and other models get their inspiration from Panerai of old. And so does Benarus, along with many other countless brands. I understand there are purists out there that only like the “real” deal. Well, unfortunately everyone is not in the same price bracket and can not afford a $7,000 or more replica watch, much as we all might want to.
That is where brands like Gruppo Gamma come in and give us the chance to own a similar looking replica watch, with great quality and specifications at a much more affordable price. Some might remember the Vanguard in Steel that I reviewed a while back. That can be seen HERE. Now this model is available in a larger size (47mm vs 44mm) and titanium, as opposed to steel. And if a steel or titanium model doesn’t do it for you, they also have a bronze version as well, which WatchReport hopes to review down the road.
The steel and titanium Vanguard have some similarities and some differences, and while the titanium version might be the larger of the two, I still think it might be the better value, although I do have a few things to point out that could have been done better.
Take a look at my video presentation below:
Full specifications and price:
- T-15, Titanium Vanguard 47 (Date)
- Case: Grade 5 titanium
- Crystal: Sapphire, double domed with underside anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Grade 5 titanium, screw-in
- Caseback: Grade 5 titanium, secured by screws
- Diameter: 47 mm excluding crown and lugs
- Lug-to-lug Distance: 57 mm
- Thickness: 16 mm
- Weight: 120 g with strap
- Water resistance: 30 ATM
- Movement: Miyota 9015, automatic, 28800 bph
- Case finish: bead-blasted
- Dial: Black, 2-layer with cream white luminescent markers
- Hands: Silver color with cream white luminescent markers (H, M), red (S)
Accessories:
- Original strap, black, length 120 x 80mm, width 24 x 24 mm, raw edges with Type V buckle
- Ghibli strap, green, length 120 x 80mm, width 24 x 24 mm, raw edges with Type V buckle
- Screwdriver
- Spring bars (2 pieces)
- Buy Online: US$ 499 shipped
The Titanium Vanguard shares the same sandwich dial as its steel brother, this version having a date, and much-improved lume, as you can see from the photos. The dial is a simple sandwich dial, with a matte black finish and a date located next to the 3 o’clock marker. Not sure if I like the date placement, or the date at all, but they do make a no date version, the T-16, if you prefer a cleaner look for this style of replica watch. A domed sapphire crystal sits atop the dial, and while it does have some glare, it definitely adds to the look of the replica watch. It is not a massive superdome, but you can see the difference from a flat crystal for sure.
The case is sandblasted titanium, giving it that gray color and keeping it subdued. There are no other versions with different finishes available at this time. At 47mm in width and 57mm lug to lug *(length of case), it is not a small replica watch by any means. I normally stay below this size for myself personally, but I will still give it a try, unless it is 50mm or over. While it is large, it is very lightweight of course, being Grade 5 titanium all around, including the caseback and screw down crown.
You can be the judge on whether it looks good on my 7-½ inch wrist. I feel it looks ok, but is oversized.
As far as comfort, it is light and I can barely notice its there, so it is comfortable. It could be better though, at least for me, if the straps were longer. With such a big replica watch, I am not sure why the straps are only 120/80 mm. As you can see in the video and my photos, if you have a wrist larger than mine, you might have a hard time getting this replica watch to fit with the included leather straps. Both straps are high quality though. I prefer the thicker black-pebbled leather strap, over the thinner, minimal stitch Ghibli strap. Both come with the newer GG Type V titanium buckles, that use screw bars to attach to the strap, very much the same way the strap attaches to the replica watch case.
The case back is blasted and engraved with the skull and rose logo, and other pertinent info, and is secured down by 6 screws. The stated water resistance is 300m. I have not, nor will I be testing to see if this is good to 1000 feet, or 984.52 if we want to get really technical, but it had no issues when in the pool or shower. (On a rubber strap, not included).
Lume: Fantastic. See below and let the picture tell you rather than me.
If you like a packaging/case that is useful, Gruppo Gamma delivers, as they did with previous GG replica watches as well. You’ll receive a rubber/nylon case with the skull and rose logo that can house at least 2 replica watches, a few straps and some tools. All of this comes in at $499 USD. Oh, wait….the movement? Yep the standard micro brand favorite, the Miyota 9015. It is the go to these days, and rightly so. It is smooth, reliable, and affordable enough that companies can produce a replica watch such as this one, for under $1000, if not well under $1000. And do it with 2 straps and in a titanium case to boot.
I would like to see longer leather straps available, or maybe more of a middle ground at 130/80, but otherwise it is hard to nit pick at the Gruppo Gamma Titanium Vanguard. Bottom line, as I said in the beginning, Gruppo Gamma keeps getting better and better. This one is their best yet, and might be hard to top in the value department. You can see all versions of the Vanguard HERE. Thank you for reading/watching and please leave your comments below.
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